The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) projects in Rabun County are in full swing north of Clayton. The current project phases are expected to continue over the next three years.
According to GDOT District 1 Communications Officer Nathan Johnston, the construction that is ongoing is actually two phases of an overall project. The overall project is the widening of U.S. 441 to four lanes north of Clayton to the North Carolina line.
Phase 1 of the project is from Rabun Gap School to the North Carolina line. The project is to widen the road to make four lanes all the way through and includes the construction of a bridge over Betty Creek. This phase of the project will affect traffic in and around the city of Dillard.
Phase 2 is from Pinnacle Drive to just north of Cathy Road. The project is also for widening the road to accommodate four lanes all the way through. It will affect traffic in and around the Mountain City area.
According to Johnston, Phase 1 began last September and has an expected completion date of October 2027. The cost for Phase 1 is $55,807,699. Phase 2 began in February of this year and is expected to be completed in October of 2028. The cost for Phase 2 is $90,219,003.
U.S. 441 north of Clayton is the gateway to the North Carolina mountains for vacationers and is heavily traveled throughout the year. Motorists are advised to use caution and obey posted speed limits, construction signs, and traffic control devices.
